A Gift That Keeps On Giving

Our Towns

Greater Hartford

In the spirit of the season, consider a gift more precious than a Furby, more practical than a pony and certainly a lot cheaper than a Ferrari. In fact, the only cost is about an hour of your time.

The gift in question is blood, a commodity always in short supply, but especially so around the holidays.

Local chapters of the American Red Cross are sponsoring a number of blood drives over the next few weeks. People who donate blood between Dec. 24 and Jan. 3 will receive a winter holiday hero pin.

Anyone over age 17, weighing at least 110 pounds and in good health is eligible to give blood approximately every two months. Potential donors will be asked a series of health- and lifestyle-related questions, in confidence, to help ensure the safety of the blood supply. There is no risk of contracting any disease by donating.

Further information can be obtained by calling the Red Cross at (800) 448-3543.

The Red Cross office at 75 Pearl St., Hartford, is open weekdays (except Christmas and New Year's Day) from 9 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. The following are some of the upcoming blood drives in the Hartford area: